In the second season of Stranger Things, we’re introduced to the incorporeal evil known as the Mind Flayer, or the shadow monster, a sort of vast parasitic organism that lurks in the Upside Down.
It’s shown to have complete control over a horde of immature Demogorgons, the so-called Demo-dogs. However, the Demogorgon from the first season seemed to be employing a very different strategy from the Demo-dogs, targeting random people in a very predatorial way, unlike the organized tactics of the Mind Flayer. It also appeared alone, unlike the whole horde of Demo-dogs. Finally, the Mind Flayer didn’t seem to be present in the Upside Down when the first Demogorgon appeared.
Further, “Dart,” the “friendly” Demo-dog, seemed to show affection for Dustin, and other behavior not clearly in line with the Mind Flayer’s aims.
Does the Mind Flayer control all Demogorgons, including the fully mature one from the first season and “Dart”? Or does it simply have a large group of Demogorgons that it has taken control of, as it took control of Will?